A Health Care Agent (also called a Health Care Proxy, Health Care Surrogate, Agent under Advance Medical Directive, Agent under Health Care Power of Attorney, Medical Agent, or Medical Representative) is someone who will advocate for you if you … [Continue reading]
New Technology for Better Aging
GPS SmartSole Many of us want to age-in-place as we get older. Unfortunately, in most cases, safety, health issues, and social isolation can interfere with that plan. This is why a growing number of seniors and their caregivers are turning … [Continue reading]
How to Minimize Family Conflict Over Your Estate Planning Wishes
Q. My children are very different, and sadly they don’t get along. My son, John, has been a PhD student for more than 10 years now. He insists that his research is going well and that he will be done soon. At the age of 45, he still lives in our … [Continue reading]
I Don’t Want Your Vacation Home, Mom!
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My mother just did her estate planning and she told me she will be leaving us her vacation home. My father is deceased, and I am an only child. Despite her generosity, my family doesn’t want the home, and we told her that … [Continue reading]
Part 2 of 2: Natural Remedies for Dementia
Dementia is a devastating disease. Most of us have seen or experienced the toll on families that comes with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Currently, there are an estimated 8.5 million family members providing … [Continue reading]
When They Ask if You Can Hear Them, Say “No!”
Q. I think my mother was the victim of a scam. She had some suspect charges on her credit card last month for more than $500 and was quite upset when the bank called and told her that her bank card was compromised, as well. I asked her if she gave … [Continue reading]
Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
Dear Ribbit, My sister lives alone, and she is a very trusting person. I am constantly afraid someone will take advantage of her. Do you know what some of the common scams that are targeting seniors today are, so I can tell her what to watch out … [Continue reading]
Dementia: Natural Remedies May Boost Quality of Life (Part 1 of 2)
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's dementia every 66 seconds. By mid-century, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds. And, because of the increasing number of … [Continue reading]
How to Care for a Loved One When You Are Sick Yourself
Q. I am a new caregiver for my mother, who has had Parkinson's for nearly a decade. My father passed away recently, so now it's just me, my mom, my two children, and my husband, who travels frequently for work. We have no other family living nearby, … [Continue reading]
Tips for Sandwiched Caregivers
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I am caring for my father, while being a working mom with a husband and three children. I am feeling overwhelmed to say the least. Do you have any tips for someone in my situation? Thanks very much! Sandi … [Continue reading]
Family Caregivers in 35 States Now Get More Support from Hospital to Home
A few years ago, Gwen’s mother, Emily, was discharged from the hospital after a short stay. When Emily was ready to go home, Gwen arrived to find her mother dressed and sitting in a wheelchair with a list of medications on her lap. Gwen was never … [Continue reading]
But I’m NOT Sick!
Q. Sometimes when I walk my dogs, I see my neighbor Adam swinging on the swing his parents installed on their front porch. I am a pretty friendly person and usually greet all of my neighbors when I see them outside, and make small talk. Adam is a … [Continue reading]
Bipartisan Efforts to Help Those with Mental Illness
Dear Angel, My son has bipolar disorder, and he was taking advantage of mental health treatment services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since the new administration took office, I know some changes will be made to mental health service … [Continue reading]
Dementia Therapies That Really Work
Mary’s husband passed away after 55 years of marriage. She was diagnosed with early stage dementia, and lived alone for a while. She was depressed and didn’t make much contact with others. Her daughter convinced her to move to an assisted living … [Continue reading]
Tax Advantages and Overlooked Deductions for Retirees
Q. April 15 is quickly approaching, and my husband and I are planning on doing our taxes soon. As retirees, I know that there must be some deductions that we may be overlooking. Of course, similar to most seniors on a fixed income, we want to deduct … [Continue reading]
The Financial Problems of CCRCs
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an age-restricted community where, in most cases, incoming residents must be at least age 55 or older. The facilities offer independent-living units, assisted living units, and skilled nursing all in … [Continue reading]
Have You Prepared for Your Digital Afterlife? Most People Haven’t.
Q. My mother is very tech savvy. She is always on Facebook posting pictures, articles, and recipes. She uses online bill pay to pay most of her bills, and Microsoft Office 365 to keep a daily diary in Word and her monthly budget in Excel. She uses … [Continue reading]
Preparing for Death on Social Media
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I was recently on Facebook and noticed a friend who had passed away a few years ago still has an active account. Isn’t there anything family members and friends can do to memorialize a loved one on social media when he or … [Continue reading]
Military Families Feeling Financially Stretched by Elder Care
Captain David Steere’s father was a Class of 1931 Naval Academy Graduate. At the end of his life, he was living in assisted care and having trouble making ends meet. David is now retired from the Navy himself, and is concerned about his own ability … [Continue reading]
What Exactly is a CCRC and Is It Right for My Mom?
Dear Ribbit, We are looking for the right living arrangement for my mother. We have considered assisted living (AL), but she will likely need more care that an AL facility can provide in a couple of years. I heard about Continuing Care Retirement … [Continue reading]
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